Does the use of birth control pills have an effect or not on the risk for breast cancer?

During Breast Awareness Month and throughout the year, it is our responsibility to raise awareness and inform ourselves about ways to prevent or treat this type of cancer in order to decrease the chances for those at risk.

As part of Breast Awareness Month, Seafarers' House has taken on the task of collecting information to raise awareness about breast cancer. Among the various topics that can be discussed about breast cancer, the question at hand is whether the use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of breast cancer.Studies have concluded that birth control pills can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.  However, the use of birth control pills can decrease the risk of ovarian and womb cancer[1].

To begin, birth control pills are normally taken daily and contain levels of hormones that change the way the body works and helps in preventing unwanted pregnancy. Birth control pills work using the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which prevent ovulation. By preventing ovulation, the egg cannot be fertilized so the person cannot get pregnant, or at the very least the chance is lowered[2].

In an interview with gynecologist Andrea Milbourne, MD, she said "A lot of people think the pill always ups your risk of cancer, but that's simply not true. In many cases, it can actually lower your risk for certain cancers." Although, she does not discount the fact that birth control pills may affect a woman's chances of developing breast and gynecologic cancers[3].  Studies have shown that the difference in risks between hormonal contraception users and nonusers is not significant[4].

This is a subject that still requires further study and analysis. It remains to highlight the fact that contraceptive pills, although they present a small risk, have other health benefits. The health benefits include regular periods, help diminish pain due to cramps, PMS and anemia, relieve endometriosis symptoms and prevents ovarian cysts, clear up skin and prevent unwanted hair growth, help with polycystic ovarian syndrome, and may lower the risk of some cancers, like ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer[5].  

For more information, we encourage you to consult a specialist to get better recommendations and information on the birth control that is best for you.

Birth Control: Benefits Beyond Pregnancy Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved from            https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/other-benefits-birth-control

Does the contraceptive pill increase cancer risk? (2021, March 24). Retrieved from            https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-the-contraceptive-pill-increase-cancer-risk

Gupta, R. C. (Ed.). (2017, January). Birth Control Pill (for Teens) - Nemours Kidshealth. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/contraception-birth.html

Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Breast Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from            https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2018/01/hormonal-contraception-and-risk-of-breast-cancer

MD Anderson Cancer Center, & Bramlet, L. N. (2019, August 14). The pill and cancer: Is there   a link? Retrieved from https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/birth-control-pill-and-cancer-risk.h28Z1590624.html

[1] Does the contraceptive pill increase cancer risk?

[2] Gupta, R. C. Birth Control Pill (for Teens) - Nemours Kidshealth

[3] MD Anderson Cancer Center, & Bramlet, L. N. The pill and cancer: Is there a link?

[4] Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Breast Cancer

[5] Birth Control: Benefits Beyond Pregnancy Prevention